Critically injured in hit and run rollover, “beloved” Manton Volunteer Fire Chief remains hospitalized
TEHAMA COUNTY, Calif., — Friends, family, and loved ones of a woman who was critically injured after a hit and run rollover crash last week are asking for prayers and financial support for the victim; a well-known and respected Manton resident who remains hospitalized with potentially life-threatening injuries.
The victim, Manton’s Volunteer Fire Chief Marion Rocksvold, suffered “extensive and severe” injuries in the hit and run, which occurred on Hwy. 36E in Tehama County Friday. Nov. 12, according to family members who say she has been a Tehama County volunteer firefighter for the past 26 years.
LEADING THE SCNS HEADLINES:
UPDATE: Carjacked after Red Bluff hospital shooting, victim leaps from moving vehicle to escape attacker
Struck & run over by two vehicles in Redding, pedestrian critically injured – Remains unidentified
Arrested last month after downtown shooting, Redding man arrested again on similar charges
UPDATE: Missing since early November, Yreka man’s body found in Siskiyou County
Fentanyl seized during Shasta County probation compliance check
On the day of her hit and run collision, Rocksvold was traveling on Hwy 36E when a silver minivan clipped the rear of her flatbed and she rolled into a ditch, a family member who requested to remain anonymous told SCNS today. The driver of the minivan did not stop or attempt to render aid to the critically injured victim and kept going.
To date, the driver has not been identified and remains sought by California Highway Patrol.
Manton’s Volunteer Fire Chief Marion Rocksvold (L) was critically injured and remains hospitalized with potentially life-threatening injuries after a hit and run rollover crash on Hwy 36E in Tehama County last week. Manton Volunteer Fire Department photo
In a social media post asking for financial assistance for Rocksvold, her daughter Michelle Heino described the full and shocking extent of her mother’s critical injuries.
Saying her mother is currently at Enloe in Chico, Michelle explained that her mom is sedated and intubated and remains in critical condition.
“Both lungs were collapsed and draining tubes are in place,” Michelle said. “She has severe facial fractures and a cranial fracture, an open fracture on her right wrist, three fractured vertebrae, and a fractured pelvis.”
Her mother also suffered chemical burns to her chest and left arm from her vehicle’s battery that exploded after the rollover crash.
SEE ALSO: Local teen shares what led him to organize winter driving safety clinic
Despite the severity of her injuries, Michelle said her mother was able to respond to requests to move her toes and squeeze with her left hand on Saturday.
“So there is hope,” Michelle explained, adding, “She is a very tough woman, but it will be a long haul if she makes it through these rough few days.”
“Violet, a family dog, who was also in the vehicle and suffered a fractured limb is currently recovering at home,” Michelle added.
A GoFundMe has been created to help raise funds for Rocksvold’s ongoing medical care and other expenses. To date, the fundraiser had brought in nearly $6,000.
A fundraiser for the victim is scheduled for Dec. 4th, at the Tehama County Fire Station 18, at 31200 Manton Road. The four-hour event begins at noon, and the menu includes BBQ Tri-Tip, beans, salad, garlic bread, and desert. Soda and water will also be included. Cost for adults is $12, while kids meals will be $6. There will also be a silent auction and guest speakers during the fundraising event.
Anyone with information regarding the hit and run that caused Rocksvold’s injuries, or who knows the identity and/or whereabouts of the driver who caused the accident and fled the scene, is encouraged to contact CHP – Red Bluff at (530) 527-2034. Callers can remain anonymous.
Contact the writer: [email protected]
Trevor Montgomery, 50, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).
Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network and has had his stories featured on news stations throughout the Southern California and North State regions.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 30 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 18 grandchildren.